Shelters to help those without power

CANDLER COUNTY, GA (WTOC) - Thousands of people across our area are still feeling the effects of the wintry weather from Monday and are still without power.

For Brenda Rhodes it's important that everyone in Candler County has a warm place to stay so she turned her church into a shelter. The Grace and Truth House of Worship is now doubling as a house of warmth.

"We are opening a shelter for those without lights and for those who might not have heat through this storm," said Rhodes.

"Because I would hope that someone would do the same for me because I have a passion. If I were in this same situation and because I have a passion for the people," she added.

Like her sister Angel Mixon who's been without power since monday morning.

"Me and the kids were just sitting in the house and I woke up and the lights went out. It was like 8:00 in the morning," said Mixon.

"It was getting cold and the kids were like, 'Momma we got to go, it's getting cold in here,'" said Mixon.

While many people in the town of Metter have power there are several people throughout Candler County who are without and so they are going to places like the Huddle House in order to stay warm.

Huddle House employees like Jeannie Bryant are happy to be at work. Her power has been out for more than 24 hours now.

"It's blankets, covered up with lots of blankets," said Bryant.

If it gets too cold Jeannie says she is glad there are people like Brenda taking people in, and giving them a warm place to stay.

The shelter in Emanuel County at Swainsboro Middle School is located at 200 Tiger Trail. It is still open and will remain open pending ongoing necessity due to weather conditions.

In Candler County, the Grace and Truth House of Worship is still open. Contact Brenda Rose at 912.687.6392 or 912.685.5076.